BDG0100 Developing Background

DESCRIPTION: Teachers who complete this lesson are able to connect students’ prior knowledge with new material to build understanding.

RESEARCH BASE: Marzano (2004) reported a correlation coefficient of .66 (moderate) between a person’s background knowledge and learning success. Marzano (2001) also reported that activating prior knowledge yielded gains of 16 to 39 percentile points in standardized achievement tests.

BACKGROUND: Consider these resources to better understand the topic.

Neuman, Susan B., Kaefer, Tanya, & Pinkham, Ashley. Building background knowledge. http://www.readingrockets.org/article/building-background-knowledge

Mizerny, Cheryl. (2017) Background knowledge: 12 ways to set the stage. https://www.middleweb.com/34094/background-knowledge-12-ways-to-set-the-stage/

Uher, Alan E. (2019) If You Build It, They Will Learn. Issues in Lutheran Education.
https://blogs.mlc-wels.edu/wels-educator/2019/07/16/if-you-build-it-they-will-learn/

LESSON OUTCOMES:

  1. Articulate the value of activating student prior background knowledge in order to achieve daily and long-term learning targets.
  2. Assess depth of student prior background knowledge on a given topic, concept, or learning target.
  3. Implement whole-class activities that will activate student pre-existing knowledge.
  4. Smoothly connect prior knowledge to new information as the lesson or unit unfolds.

RESOURCES:

Books

Dean, Ceri B., Hubbell, Elizabeth Ross, Pitler, Howard, & Stone, Bj. (2012) Classroom instruction that works: Research-based strategies for increasing student achievement. Alexandria VA. ASCD http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/classroom-instruction-that-works.aspx

Himmele, Pérsida & Himmele, William. (2017) Total participation techniques: Making every student an active learner. Alexandria VA. ASCD http://www.ascd.org/Publications/Books/Overview/Total-Participation-Techniques-Making-Every-Student-an-Active-Learner-2nd-Edition.aspx

Lent, ReLeah Cosset. (2012) Overcoming textbook fatigue: 21st century tools to revitalize teaching and learning. Alexandria VA. ASCD https://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-Textbook-Fatigue-Revitalize-Teaching/dp/1416614729

Marzano, Robert J. (2004) Building background knowledge for academic achievement: Research on what works in schools. Alexandria VA. ASCD http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/104017.aspx

Schmoker, Mike. (2011) Focus: Elevating the essentials to radically improve student learning. Alexandria VA. ASCD http://www.ascd.org/Publications/Books/Overview/Focus-Elevating-the-Essentials-to-Radically-Improve-Student-Learning-2nd-Edition.aspx

Articles

Alber, Rebecca. (2011) Are you tapping into prior knowledge often enough in your classroom? Activating prior knowledge of students is key to learning. Edutopia https://www.edutopia.org/blog/prior-knowledge-tapping-into-often-classroom-rebecca-alber

Videos

Reading for Mastery: Prior Knowledge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kfVV68MylU

Building Background: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FZlkwrKrxA

Building Social Studies Background Knowledge for English Language Learners:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BEnlxdtzRM